Tango for fun and health
If you can walk, you can tango – is the motto of Carlos Argentina who unveiled Tango Gippsland in Warragul last week.
Carlos, who has run not-for-profit community Argentinian tango dance classes in Traralgon since 2016, has moved to Warragul and is excited to expand Tango Gippsland with Wednesday night classes at the VRI Hall in Queen St.
It is open to all ages with no dance experience or partner necessary.
“Don’t let it escape you, here is your chance,” urged Carlos. “You’ll only have fun and meet other people.”
Carlos believes tango offers great health benefits, particularly for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. He said the beat can assist the common shuffle walk.
After launching his Warragul classes, he is keen to introduce specialised classes via interested support groups or aged care facilities.
Using a Traralgon student as an example, Carlos said a 75-year-old legally blind man had reported greater mobility at home, confidence and rhythm from the dance classes.
Originally from Venezuela, Carlos grew up surrounded by Latin music and dance.
“My early childhood memories are of tango music floating about and people dancing.”
Despite wanting to teach tango, Carlos said marriage, children, business and travel made the timing never seem right. Two knee replacements in 2014/15 made it seem even further away.
“And I thought, well so much for my bucket list of getting back into tango,” said Carlos.
However, the knee replacements gave a new lease on life.
“I said enough is enough, no more excuses and Tango Gippsland was born. You can’t wait around in life for the right moment to happen,” he said.
Tango Gippsland classes run at the VRI Hall in Warragul on Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm. The cost of a class is $6.
Dancers are encouraged to wear light clothes and leather or plastic sole shoes. Women should wear double strapped high heels where possible.
For further information, visit tangogippsland.com; visit the Facebook page or call 0419 098 083.